This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Together, they cited information from 16 references. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article meets our high standards.

wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 97% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.
Learn more...

Opening up your own beauty supply store is a new and exciting adventure to embark on. You might have to set aside some time for serious organization and reflection, but it should be worthwhile in the end. Make sure to find a niche that you’re passionate about, create a thoughtful budget, and set your store up for success!

Choose a niche and type of store for your shop. Pick something that you’re both knowledgeable and passionate about. Try researching other businesses in the area for gaps in the market. You won’t want to open up an organic skin-care shop if there are others nearby. This is also the time to decide what type of shop you want to create in terms of sheer size. Do some research on rent prices in your area before setting in stone any one type of shop.[1]XResearch source

Write a short business plan. If you want to write a business plan, it’s usually best to keep it simple. That being said, even a basic business plan has quite a few steps. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with this one! A few key items to include are:

Who your manufacturers and suppliers are and what their rates for key products are

Figure out your budget. Try to keep your costs as low as possible at the beginning and be realistic about your numbers. Try to account for incidentals as well; unexpected costs always seem to arise in your first few months![3]XResearch source A few key parts to look at for your shop include:

Research licensing and fees. Each municipality will differ with their process for opening up a small business. You’ll want to do thorough research about your city, county, and state before actually starting your business.[5]XResearch source A few items to expect include:

Pick a legal entity. This will take a little bit of research on your end, but many small businesses start out as a sole-proprietor. This usually means fewer fees and less paperwork[7]XResearch source. There are a few different options here, but be sure to do plenty of research before choosing:

Sole Proprietorship - less fees and paperwork, but more personal risk at stake

Partnership - more resources for capital and decision making, but can delay processes

Limited Liability Company (LLC) - most flexibility for the structure of the business, but more comprehensive paperwork and fees

Corporation/S-Corporation - less personal liability, but more government regulation[8]XResearch source

Pick a location with high foot traffic near other beauty stores. Whether it’s a mall, a shopping center, or just a popular neighborhood, you’ll want to be sure to pick a location that has a high amount of pedestrians and other beauty shops nearby. You don’t want your customers to have to make a special trip just to get to your shop![9]XResearch source

Do plenty of research on beauty product suppliers. There are a ton out there with similar prices and reviews. Make sure to do ample research before agreeing to partner with any one business. Check plenty of reviews online and don’t be afraid to flood them with questions. Remember: the products are the foundation of your business![10]XResearch source

Ask for samples from a few different retailers. Once you’ve narrowed down your choice of suppliers, try asking for some samples of their products. Most businesses will offer these for free in hopes of partnering with you. Make sure they deliver a high quality product. Try testing them out yourself or comparing them to other products you’re familiar with. Ask friends or business contacts their thoughts on the products as well. Their logistics and customer service should also be solid in order to avoid any future headaches!

Place your first order. Focus on ordering larger quantities of popular and widely used products at the beginning. Wait on ordering a ton of the riskier items until you’re a little more comfortable. Researching beauty publications are a good way to get an idea of what sells and what doesn’t.[11]XResearch source

Furnish your store with lights, mirrors, and shelves. Lights and mirrors are super important so your customers will be able to try various products on before purchasing. Be sure to decide on a shelving arrangement as well! You can have shelves line the perimeter, stand alone in the middle of the shop, or both.

Decide on your ambience. Find a way to make your store unique. You’ll want your customers to feel relaxed so they don’t feel rushed when they’re inside. The longer your clients stay in your store and shop, the more products you’ll sell.[12]XResearch source A couple ideas for a feel to get you started could be:

Place popular items near the front of the shop. These will be what draw pedestrians in. Many clients are fairly loyal to brands and specific products. Try to place big sellers near the front so they won’t have to wander aimlessly trying to find their favorite items.[13]XResearch source

Get creative with your displays. This is especially important in the beginning to separate yourself from other beauty shops and will help to draw in interested customers.[14]XResearch source This will vary heavily depending on your products and preferences, but a few fun ideas are:

Develop an online presence with social media accounts. Try to advertise on Facebook. Sponsored posts will allow you to specify your target market and reach out to those with interests in beauty supplies. Remember to make your social media presence unique and helpful. In order to use social media to market, boast consistent branding across all social media platforms by using the same logos and types of posts.[15]XResearch source

Reach out to local publications, blogs, and websites. Online write-ups are an easy way to get free marketing. Try shooting an email to your local newspaper or city magazine, letting them know about your new business. Do the same for beauty-specific blogs and websites. Most of these outlets are always looking for more content, so offer up yourself for an interview or featured article.

Purchase a point of sale software. Instead of a standard cash register, many small businesses these days are pivoting to running their sales through iPads. Most of these platforms also come with easy ways to track your different products and daily reports. While there are a ton of options out there, a few popular ones include:

By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube.

Tips

Don't buy shelves from retail stores. Go to a reputable dealer like storesupply.com where they sell shelves designed for product placement and a professional look. You do not want to have sub par displays that cost you a lot in the long run with constant replacement costs, which is what you will get with shelves, displays, and wall mounts sold for residential use. You would also be liable if an injury or damage were to result from fixtures designed for residential use failing in your store. Same with your counters and POS stand/checkout stations, you do not want to buy them from Home Depot or a hardware store meant for residential use, it will cost more to modify them than it would to just buy a proper business counter in the first place.

Warnings

Don't go through the hassles of long applications and credit checks from suppliers just to get in business. Choose brands that will take an interest in your new venture and who will be willing to help you!

About This Article

Co-Authored By:

wikiHow Staff Editor

This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Together, they cited information from 16 references. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article meets our high standards.

To open your own beauty supply store, find a specialty that you’re passionate about, create a thoughtful budget, and set yourself up for success! As you plan your store, think about an area that you’re knowledgable and excited about, like organic skincare. Then, do a little research to see if there’s a market for this type of shop in your area and if there are other close competitors. While in this brainstorming phase, write up a short business plan that considers who your suppliers will be, what some of your overhead costs might include, and how you’ll advertise. The closer you get to making your dream a reality, you’ll need to figure out your initial budget, which should cover product and delivery costs, advertising costs, utilities and rent prices, staff salaries, and any legal or permit fees. To learn how to pick the best beauty suppliers, keep reading!